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Early Look: Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat (2025)"

By

Matt Tompkins |

Few sneakers command the immediate respect and hype of an all-black Jordan. But among the monochromatic elite, the Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" stands in a league of its own. Originally released in 2006, then retro'd in 2020, this stealthy masterpiece is returning for a third round in 2025. Here is your comprehensive breakdown of what to expect from the prowling return of the "Black Cat."

The essence of the "Black Cat" has always been its seamless, all-black aesthetic, which takes its inspiration from Michael Jordan's own "Black Cat" nickname and his on-court agility. The 2025 edition stays true to this vision while incorporating premium updates.

The use of black nubuck across the upper is a staple of the colorway, giving it that luxurious, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the plastic netting and wings. The small hits of Light Graphite on the tongue's Jumpman logo offer the only subtle break from the darkness, elevating the shoe from just being "all-black" to a true collector's piece.

What makes the 2025 release a different beast from its predecessors? The devil is in the details—specifically, the heel tab. While the 2006 and 2020 pairs featured the Jumpman logo on the heel, the 2025 version offers a plastic heel tab and “Nike Air” branding.


Jordan Brand has also refined the shoe's shape for the 2025 drop, aiming for a profile that more closely mirrors the vintage 1989 Air Jordan 4 silhouette. This means:

  • Slightly Higher Ankle Collar: A subtle nod to the original shape.

  • Sleeker Toe Box: A less bulky look in the forefoot area.

While the core is always black nubuck, the quality and nap of the material can vary between releases.

  • The 2006 pair is often lauded by purists for its "buttery" and soft nubuck.

  • The 2020 retro was praised for its quality and was an instant sell-out, though some felt the nubuck was less "buttery" than the original.

  • The 2025 version is expected to utilize high-quality nubuck as well, though a debate is already brewing in the sneaker community about how its material quality and exact shade of black will stack up against the highly-regarded 2020 version.

See the 2025 version in all its glory below. Is this Jordan Brand’s best 2025 Holiday release? Get your pair today and let us know.